Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Daily. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Michelle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

In early 2025, after seven years of teaching, I took a leap and opened my own studio. Some questioned the decision to open a small studio while larger gyms expand into reformer Pilates and franchise models continue to pop up everywhere. As the sole provider for my family, I was aware of the risks, but felt called to create a space grounded in intention and provide the experience I believe my clients deserve.

So what made me leave the safety of guaranteed classes and a steady paycheck? I realized that even though I have the best job in the world, I wasn’t feeling as energized as I used to. The studios where I taught were shifting toward a more corporate feel, and I missed the deep sense of community. Instead of letting myself get stuck, I decided it was up to me to create the change I wanted. Around that time, my friend and chiropractor, who had been asking me to join her for years, moved into a new space with room for Pilates. The timing finally felt right, so I made my move.
I launched with six group classes. They stayed empty for at least a month. When I left my previous job, I had half a dozen clients claiming they would come with me. That turned out to be just talk, and that’s okay. Instead of getting discouraged, I used that time for continuing education. I dove into myofascial release, pelvic floor health, SI joint dysfunction, and the importance of feet. That gave me a bunch of new class ideas and helped me reframe my own teaching style.

I also had to figure out how to actually find clients. Of course I was busy creating a new website and posting on social media, but the big win was a business listing on Google Maps. Over 60% of my current clients found me on Maps. I have done zero advertising despite Google and Yelp’s persistence.

My studio setup is straightforward. I have two studio reformers, two EXO chairs, and two springboards, with classes capped at four. While I was taught how to teach circuit style, it did not work out quite as easily as it sounded. Depending on the class, we either switch equipment halfway through, teach the same exercises to the whole class but on different equipment, or each group stays on their equipment for the entire class but do different exercises. That last option is basically running two classes at once. It keeps me on my toes, but I love the challenge.

I’ve learned a ton along the way, and I’m still tweaking my business practices as I go.

First, I don’t try to compete with the big box gyms. They’re not my competitors. Our pricing won’t look the same, our schedules will be different, and that’s fine. I’m offering a different experience with group classes capped at four.

Second, boundaries with clients are crucial. Since I don’t have a front desk person or manager, I get all the calls and texts, often after 9:00 PM. At first, I answered right away because I didn’t want to lose business. But the problem with replying that quickly is that clients then want to chat, and they think 9:00 PM is fair game.

It’s easy to let the business run me instead of the other way around. Now that I’m aware of it, I wait to reply. I also wait to update the website, email clients, or post to social media. Recently, a trio wanted an early Saturday appointment. I held firm at 9:00 AM, and they booked anyway.

I celebrated one year in business this March, and I’m proud to say I now have ten group classes on the schedule, plus lunchtime privates and duos three days a week. New opportunities keep showing up, and I’m genuinely excited to see what year two brings.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I discovered Pilates as a way to manage lifelong back pain, but it wasn’t until my first reformer session that I became truly hooked. I earned my 500‑hour Pilates certification in 2018 and have been teaching ever since. Over the years, I’ve learned that no matter how great your social media is, or how beautiful your studio looks, the people come for me — my expertise, my authentic concern, and my genuine care for each client.

I opened Mind Body Pilates in Beaverton, Oregon in 2025 after seven years of teaching elsewhere. My studio is intentionally small — classes capped at four people — because I believe Pilates works best when it’s personal. I offer group classes, private sessions, and duos on reformers, EXO chairs, and springboards. What I solve for my clients is simple: chronic pain, fear of movement, feeling lost in a big box gym, or being told their body isn’t “right” for Pilates. I specialize in working with people who have neurological conditions (MS, aphasia), scoliosis, post‑cancer recovery, and those in larger bodies — but my classes welcome everyone, regardless of level or ability.

What sets me apart is my belief that Pilates is truly for every body. I don’t force cookie‑cutter exercises or push you to look a certain way. I meet you where you are, modify everything, and celebrate small wins. The thing I’m most proud of? Opening my own studio against everyone who said it was crazy — and watching it grow from six empty classes to ten full ones, plus privates and duos, in just one year.

What I want potential clients to know: You don’t have to be fit to start Pilates. You don’t have to be thin, flexible, or young. You just have to show up. I’ll handle the rest.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think a lot of people, when they search for Pilates, find the big box gyms or franchises first. They have the advertising dollars. But the people who find me say they chose me because they need closer observation and more hands on corrections, often due to an injury or illness. Those big studios can also intimidate people who have never done Pilates before or aren’t used to moving their bodies.

Because my max class size is four, every session feels almost like a private. Everyone gets hands on personalized attention, not someone walking up and down an aisle shouting instructions. That reputation has spread by word of mouth, especially among clients who’ve felt overlooked or invisible elsewhere. They come to me because they know they’ll be seen, heard, and safely guided.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After teaching for a franchise with strict safety rules and specific guidelines on how a class should flow, it took me some time to find my own groove in my new space. Because of the free time I had that first month after opening my studio, I crammed as much continuing education in as possible. This gave me time to rethink how I wanted my classes to flow and remember all of those original exercises that were off limits at the franchise. It allowed me to remember why I love Pilates and all of the amazing things it does for people’s bodies.

My clients are living this pivot every day, especially the ones who still go to the franchises but come to see me weekly. They are amazed at how my continuing education has helped me change or improve exercises they have been doing for years. A small tweak here, a different cue there, and suddenly an exercise that used to hurt or feel impossible becomes accessible and effective. That’s what happens when you stop following a script and start teaching from real knowledge and care.

That pivot from following someone else’s rules to trusting my own expertise was scary at first, but it ended up being exactly what I needed. I stopped teaching like someone else and started teaching like me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.MindBodyPilatesPDX.com
• Instagram: MindBodyPilatesPDX